PROBLEM GUIDE

2011–2016 Ford Explorer Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated May 2026

2,230

complaints filed for the 2013 model year

2011–2016

Model years affected

$1,800 – $5,600

Typical repair cost, by problem

Over 400 complaints in a single sampled year describe A-pillar interior trim detaching while driving, tied to a recall with an 80,000+ unit parts backorder. Separately, owners report being excluded from applicable steering recalls despite matching power-steering-loss symptoms.

Quick Scan: 17 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

A-pillar interior trim detaches while driving, parts backordered

Trim panel comes loose or falls off during operation

Check engine light: Off

Over 400 complaints in a single sampled year describe A-pillar interior trim detaching while driving. Recall 24V031000 covers it, but owners report an 80,000+ unit parts backorder, some waiting since 2023.

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Power steering loss or lock-up, VINs excluded from recall

Steering wheel becomes heavy or locks unexpectedly

Check engine light: On

Owners report power steering loss and steering wheel lock-up, with VINs excluded from the applicable steering recalls (14V286000/15S18) despite matching symptoms.

$2,300103,000 mi

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Backup camera failures, 2013 models excluded from a newer recall

Black screen, inverted image, or intermittent dropout

Check engine light: Off

Backup camera failures (black screen, inverted image, intermittent dropout) affect this generation, with owners noting 2013 models were excluded from a camera recall covering 2015+ models.

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Transmission failure requiring full rebuild or replacement

Will not shift properly, or fails completely

Check engine light: On

Multiple owners report complete transmission failure requiring a full rebuild or replacement across model years.

$5,000 – $5,600

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Rear differential/rear-end failure

Grinding noise, described by owners as a known weak point

Check engine light: On

Differential failures with a grinding noise are described by one owner as "the 8.8 rearend is notorious for failing."

$1,800 – $3,00065,000 – 123,000 mi

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Timing chain tensioner failure, crankshaft bearing failure

Engine timing jumps, leading to destroyed engine

Check engine light: On

Several independent engine-destroying repairs occur in this range: broken timing chain tensioner, timing jump, and spun crankshaft bearing.

$3,200 – $4,900105,000 – 169,260 mi

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A Cosmetic Crack May Develop on the Liftgate

A cosmetic crack may develop on the liftgate

Check engine light: Off

A cosmetic crack may develop on the liftgate. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 707 owner reports on file.

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Heater Stuck on Hottest Setting Due to Broken Heater Blend Door

The heater is stuck on the hottest setting due to a broken heater blend door

Check engine light: Off

The heater is stuck on the hottest setting due to a broken heater blend door. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 423 owner reports on file.

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Plastic Intake Manifold May Crack Causing Coolant Leak

The plastic intake manifold may crack, causing a coolant leak

Check engine light: Off

The plastic intake manifold may crack, causing a coolant leak. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 230 owner reports on file.

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Rough Idle and Stalling

Rough idle and stalling occur

Check engine light: On

Rough idle and stalling occur. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 218 owner reports on file.

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Ford Explorer Loss of Oil Pressure While Driving With Fluctuating Gauge and Engine Noise

Loss of oil pressure occurs while driving, with a fluctuating gauge and engine noise

Check engine light: Off

Loss of oil pressure occurs while driving, with a fluctuating gauge and engine noise. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 171 owner reports on file.

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Rear Window Wiper May Not Fully Contact Rear Window

The rear window wiper may not fully contact the rear window

Check engine light: Off

The rear window wiper may not fully contact the rear window. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 83 owner reports on file.

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Exhaust Manifolds Can Crack and Cause Leak

The exhaust manifolds can crack and cause a leak

Check engine light: Off

The exhaust manifolds can crack and cause a leak. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 73 owner reports on file.

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Replace Rear Wiper Motor if Rear Wiper Blade Is Not Working

The rear wiper motor should be replaced if the rear wiper blade is not working

Check engine light: Off

The rear wiper motor should be replaced if the rear wiper blade is not working. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 60 owner reports on file.

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A/C Fan Speed Changing Constantly

The A/C fan speed changes constantly

Check engine light: Off

The A/C fan speed changes constantly. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 49 owner reports on file.

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Owners report their VINs were excluded from steering recalls 14V286000/15S18 despite matching symptoms. Recall 24V031000 covers the A-pillar trim retention clips, but owners report parts on backorder since 2023. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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